Suboxone has been a popular treatment for opioid use disorder for many years. While the makers of Suboxone have faced lawsuits from competing companies over certain business practices, the recent Suboxone lawsuit alleges that the dissolvable film strip version of this medication causes severe tooth damage. If you believe you or a loved one has been affected by this, you need to hire a dangerous drug lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Understanding the Suboxone Lawsuit for Tooth Decay
Suboxone can help alleviate the symptoms of opioid addiction and has been considered a staple treatment for opioid use disorder for many years. However, the new dissolvable film strip version of this medication is now linked to tooth decay. Additionally, the new suit alleges that the manufacturer knowingly released a potentially damaging product in an effort to effectively corner their market.
The makers of Suboxone were already facing class-action lawsuits from their competitors, alleging that they were engaged in unfair business practices that limited the ability for other manufacturers to make generic alternatives to their Suboxone products, and that they released these new dissolvable film strips just as competitors were about to release their own Suboxone-equivalent lower-cost medications.
The new Suboxone lawsuits are entirely different, and these claims are not a class-action lawsuit. Many plaintiffs alleging individual damages from the use of Suboxone film strips have merged their claims into a mass tort, and it is vital to understand what to expect if you believe you are eligible to file a Suboxone lawsuit after suffering dental problems from using these products.
In 2023, attorneys in several states filed lawsuits against the makers of Suboxone in response to their clients suffering severe tooth decay and other dental health problems after using these dissolvable film strips. In November of 2023, a formal petition was entered to begin multi-district litigation, and this request was approved in February of 2024.
It is important to note that if you believe you qualify to file a Suboxone lawsuit, this will be an individual claim, not part of a class-action lawsuit. While a class-action suit can provide certain advantages to a group of plaintiffs taking legal action against a single defendant, mass torts are generally more appropriate for dangerous drug cases, as each plaintiff has likely suffered significant individual losses.
Eligibility for Filing a Suboxone Lawsuit
If you are unsure whether you qualify to file a Suboxone lawsuit, your attorney can review the details of your situation and other factors to determine your eligibility:
- You must be able to prove that you used Suboxone as a treatment for pain management or opioid use disorder for a period of at least six months between January of 2012 and January of 2024.
- You must prove that after using Suboxone, you lost a tooth, required an extraction, or suffered any dental problems associated with Suboxone film strips.
Success with this type of case requires establishing causation between your use of the Suboxone product in question and the dental problems you experienced. Treating tooth decay and other advanced dental problems can be expensive, and these conditions often cause painful symptoms as well as general everyday discomfort. Additionally, losing teeth can be emotionally distressing for anyone.
If you are wondering whether you should stop using Suboxone, it is vital that you approach substance abuse treatment very carefully and consult your doctor before ceasing any prescription medication. Suboxone is used to treat the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal, and these symptoms can be life-threatening if treatment stops suddenly. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your prescription use.
Understanding Dangerous Drug Cases
A dangerous drug case is effectively a personal injury claim filed under applicable product liability laws. When a manufacturer releases a product that is defective or unreasonably dangerous with normal use of the product, they must take corrective action as soon as they become aware of the issue. They are also liable for any damages their product has caused.
One issue that can complicate a dangerous product case is foreseeability. If evidence shows that a manufacturer knew their product carried a risk but continued selling it anyway, this could lead to more extensive liability in future lawsuits. One of the major allegations made in the Suboxone lawsuit is that they rushed these dissolvable film strips to market in pursuit of profit without adequate testing.
An experienced dangerous drug lawyer can calculate the damages you could claim in this type of case. Many plaintiffs in the current Suboxone cases are seeking compensation for their dental bills, lost income from time they missed at work, and compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress they have experienced. Your attorney can estimate the total potential value of the compensatory damages you are eligible to claim, but you may also receive punitive damages.
In many dangerous drug cases, plaintiffs are awarded punitive damages when the facts show that a defendant knew about the risks their product presented but continued selling it without taking any type of corrective action. Your attorney can explain whether this could come into play in your case and, if so, what you can likely expect in terms of your total compensation.
What to Expect in Dangerous Drug Cases?
Most product liability claims filed in response to harm done by dangerous drugs lead to privately negotiated settlements. It is very rare for civil claims for damages to be resolved through litigation, but this is a possibility. Your dangerous drug lawyer can explain the steps you must take to file your claim, and you will likely need to prepare for negotiating a settlement with the defendant.
Companies accused of selling dangerous drugs typically want to resolve these cases as quickly and as quietly as possible to minimize public backlash and reputational damage. As long as the parties involved in your case are able to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement, it’s possible to resolve the matter relatively quickly. However, it is crucial to hire an attorney you can trust to provide ongoing support and respond to unexpected complications that arise during your case.
Kelley Ferraro, LLC has years of proven experience representing clients in dangerous drug cases, and we know the challenges you could face if you intend to file a Suboxone lawsuit. Our firm has helped many past clients navigate similar cases, and we can leverage this experience in representing you. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how an experienced dangerous drug lawyer can help with your case.
FAQs
What Is Suboxone and How Does it Work?
Suboxone is a specially formulated combination of buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Suboxone activates the same receptors as more dangerous opioids like heroin without producing the same euphoric effects. With consistent use, Suboxone can reduce the user’s opioid dependency and the severity of their physical withdrawal symptoms.
What Dental Problems Can Suboxone Strips Cause?
Suboxone strips have been alleged to cause dental problems like gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, tooth fractures, and tooth loss. These strips are designed to be used sublingually, dissolved under the tongue completely, so the medication remains in the mouth for a long period with every dose.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim in a Suboxone Lawsuit?
The amount of compensation you can claim in a Suboxone lawsuit largely depends on the scope and severity of the damages you suffered. You should hire a dangerous drug lawyer as soon as possible to review your medical records along with your prescription records to establish causation between your use of Suboxone and your damages. You may have grounds to claim compensation for medical bills, lost income, and your pain and suffering.
Has There Been a Suboxone Recall?
There has not been an official Suboxone recall yet. However, in January of 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did release an official warning of the risk of dental problems associated with the use of Suboxone dissolvable film strips. It remains to be seen whether the manufacturers of these products will be compelled to issue any type of recall.
Why Should I Hire a Dangerous Drug Lawyer for a Suboxone Lawsuit?
You should hire a dangerous drug lawyer for a Suboxone lawsuit because this is an inherently challenging type of case that requires the attention of a skilled attorney. Even if your situation appears straightforward, the reality is that you would be facing a large corporation with a robust in-house legal team. You need to hire experienced legal counsel to level the playing field and have a better chance of securing appropriate compensation.
The attorneys at Kelley Ferraro, LLC have an extensive record of success with dangerous drug cases throughout the US. We are confident we can help you build an effective Suboxone lawsuit. We understand that you are likely to have many questions about your legal options, and it costs you nothing to talk to our firm about your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced dangerous drug lawyer and learn how we can help.
